Aaron Davis has a great idea about civic engagement and responsiveness: A section on the city website for Torontonians to set up and support petitions, which could go directly to council

Issue: Civic engagement and responsiveness: How Toronto can make people feel they belong

What’s the big idea: What if Torontonians could bring their issues to city hall from the comfort of their computers?

What if we had a section on Toronto’s city website that would allow citizens to set up and support petitions? If a petition gathers enough support (eg. 10,000) then the issue will be brought directly to city council to discuss and vote on. Most people do not want to start a petition and go door to door for minor issues such as paving a road, or keeping buses running later. With this system they would be able to set up a petition without having to go door to door to gather support and then go through the process of meeting with city officials.

How will the big idea work: This will engage citizens in their cities. Citizens will feel more connected and feel like they have a voice. This will allow small, medium and major issues to reach city hall without the wasted time, and frustration that physical petitions cause. Toronto will be a truly democratic city.

How much will your big idea cost, and how would it be funded: Whatever it costs to design this sort of website and a small staff to monitor petitions.

How will you implement your big idea: This idea would have to be implemented through city hall.

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